Prestwick Bonfire Night 2022

Bonfire Night in Prestwick poster

Every year in Prestwick, on November 5, we come together to celebrate Bonfire Night, all over the county of South Ayrshire we gather around the bonfire.

What should you know about the Bonfire Night in Prestwick?

An annual event over the years, the Bonfire Night is one of those incredible celebrations.

Why do people enjoy these festivities so much?

You can get up to speed with the reasons behind its popularity with a quick overview.

Why do we celebrate Bonfire Night?

It is a way to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes as he tried to assassinate King James I, while also attempting to blow up the parliament.

In 1605 this happened, and people have been celebrating bonfires ever since.

There was a lot of anger against the king due to the fact he was against the Catholics.

Robert Catesby and Guy Fawkes were Catholics who believed that an armed struggle would bring Catholicism back to its rightful place.

The supporters came up with a plan to blow up the Palace.

The plan was to kill the king during the process.

A member of the conspiracy sent a letter to the parliament, but ended up getting cold feet.

The other conspirators were taken into custody here after they learned of the plan.

The Parliament shared the fact that the conspirators were caught and punished in a public statement.

The 5th of November was chosen by the Parliament to be a day to be thankful for.

We went to the Bonfire Night due to that.

In locations like South Ayrshire, Bonfire Night activities are enjoyed.

The origins of the event are sinister, but it has become a community focused event over the years.

The celebration was renamed at the beginning of the 20th century by firework manufacturers to "Bonfire Night" because it was focused on having fun.

The event of the 20th century looked similar to what we are experiencing today.

What should you wear at the event?

Depending on where they live, people tend to dress up in various costumes for Bonfire Night.

It is quite interesting that this is in preparation for the events.

The Bonfire Night is a great time for most people to show off their winter wardrobe.

Something to keep in mind is that a winter knit with a classical touch is the right way to go here.

You don't have to wear a costume if you have a proper outfit that protects you from the cold weather.

There are attractions at Bonfire Night

You are bound to find some amazing attractions and events throughout the UK.

In the countryside, you usually have large bonfires and local events, food and drinks being shared with the community, but smaller events also take place.

For a lot of people, Bonfire Night has become a community-focused event, where everyone has a great time and they enjoy the presence of other like-minded people.

With some regions going out of their way to use incredible fireworks for a night to remember, you will get to enjoy some great firework displays as well.

Here are some traditions that exist:

  • The bonfires are not only meant to be a symbol of the failed complot, but they are also used to cook all kinds of food. A lot of people heat up soup for the people coming by to watch the fireworks. Some people cook potatoes in a foil with marshmallows or sausages. The parking cake is a traditional cake eaten on the Bonfire Night. The cake is made of syrup, ginger, oatmeal and treacle.
  • It’s very common for many people in the UK to burn an effigy, a homemade model of a man, very similar to a scarecrow. This effigy is meant to represent Guy Fawkes, and it’s usually made out of straw or paper, all of it stuffed within old clothes.
  • During the Bonfire Night processions, flaming tar barrels on the shoulders are a tradition. This is a nod to the plans that Guy Fawkes and his group had to blow up the Parliament building.
  • There is a tradition called "Penny for the Guy". Kids used to take homemade Guy effigies on the street and try to get some money for the fireworks a few days before the Bonfire Night. In some parts of the world you can find kids that blackened their faces, a testament to what Guy Fawkes did when he was preparing to blow up the Parliament.
  • Some of the biggest cities in the country have large firework displays. Even in rural areas, you will find bonfires and incredible firework displays.

Traditions related to the night of bonfires.

People use flaming torches, fireworks and sparklers during Bonfire Night.

The failure of Guy Fawkes and his band as they tried to blow up the Parliament is a clear nod to this.

Most of the time, these Bonfire Night events include a firework display and large bonfire.

Which foods are most popular during Bonfire Night celebrations?

The events of bonfires and fireworks are not the only things happening.

There are many different foods associated with this event.

The jacket potato, parkin, black peas, treacle toffee, and the toffee apples are all associated with Bonfire Night.

These are eaten throughout the country, and some regions have their own special meals that they prepare around the 5th of November as well.

It is important to note that some families eat soup and share it with friends.

Conclusion

Every year, Bonfire Night has become a staple event.

It is a great time for people to relax and enjoy some great food.

It has impressed people over the years.

Even if the origins of this event are a bit darker, there is no denying that the event has become a more community-friendly event.

The most important parts of the event are happiness and a good time, and we can expect this event to continue for many years to come.

Prestwick Bonfire Night Event

Date: 5th November 2022

Start Time: 6pm

Finish Time: 11pm

Address: Prestwick, South Ayrshire, Alba / Scotland, KA9 1PA, United Kingdom

Organiser: Prestwick Bonfire Night